PASTOR'S PERSPECTIVE: GAMBLING ISSUE BOILS DOWN TO MYTH V. TRUTH

People have been know to be easily deceived. They have fallen for lie after lie -- all in the hope of finding "the good life."

Remember Adam and Eve v. Satan? Or, Lot "pitching his tent toward Sodom?" What about the Church of Ephesus in Revelation? They believed they were faithfully serving God. Yet they had actually "left their first love."

A more recent deception has been the promise of prosperity by the gambling industry. Their promises are myths. They are funneling millions of dollars into saving their boats in moats. They are using well-known personalities to convince us that it is wrong to turn back now. They are preying on the emotions and hopes of people.

We need the facts. The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention has presented the "REAL FACTS" in a brochure. I prayerfully submit them to you (with their permission).

Gambling: Ten Myths vs. Real Truth

Myth 1: The Bible has nothing to say against gambling.

1) Gambling is a covetous form of stealing -- Exodus 20:15, 17.

2) Gambling promotes violence -- Proverbs 1:10-19, 15:27; 21:25-26.

3) Gambling is contrary to Biblical stewardship -- I Corinthians 16:1-3; II Corinthians 8:1, 9:7; John 13:29; Ephesians 4:28; Matthew 22:21; Romans 13:7.

4) Gambling appeals to "fate," "chance" -- Isaiah 65:11.

5) Gambling violates the Biblical work ethic -- II Thessalonians 3:10-12.

6) Gambling violates the law of love -- Matthew 22:34-40.

7) Gambling creates a stumbling block -- Romans 14:21.

Myth 2: Gambling is harmless family entertainment.

1) Gambling is a vice, like alcohol, drugs, and prostitution.

2) Gambling has no place for a believer (Christian) -- I Corinthians 6:19.

Myth 3: Gambling is a sound method to raise revenue.

1) This money, used as revenue, exploits citizens. It does not matter whether it is from slots, tables, or bingo ... it is exploitation and does not honor God through wise stewardship.

2) Gambling supplies no more than 3 percent of state budget needs. Without it, we will not go bankrupt, and schools will not have less.

Myth 4: Gambling is a painless source of new revenue.

1) Gambling is regressive; the poor are the hardest hit.

2) Gambling increased poverty, crime, loss of income and emotional, physical trauma on citizens.

Myth 5: Gambling is a stable source of new revenue.

1) Gambling revenues decline after initial euphoria wears off.

2) The gambling industry admits revenue is not stable (that is why so many have closed their doors or are in financial trouble). They keep coming back to the commissions to ask for more concessions.

Myth 6: Gambling will stimulate business growth.

1) Gambling revenue is reallocated business resources.

2) Gambling eliminates many small businesses who supported their development as a possible way to stimulate small business growth in an area.

Myth 7: Gambling will support educational needs.

1) Gambling provides 1 to 3 percent of state education needs.

2) Gambling funds less than 12 days per year in most states. (The lie of increased educational support has caused many people to vote for gambling concerns. Don't be deceived -- you are too smart for that).

Myth 8: Gambling is part of our national heritage.

1) Gambling was outlawed by the states because of corruption.

2) Gambling is a bad decision; don't repeat it.

Myth 9: Gambling will be controlled by the state.

1) Gambling has brought corruption to the states that have it.

2) Gambling seeks to make states dependent.

Myth 10: Gambling does not contribute to addictions.

1) Gambling is addictive and increases wherever legalized.

2) Gambling, when legalized by states, gains acceptance.

3) Gambling, when legalized, appeals to teen-agers.

4) Gambling addicts have drained many local resources.

You have the opportunity to expose these myths and reveal the truth to others -- please do it. You also have an opportunity to stop boats in moats during the November election -- please do it!

The Rev. Daniel Hale has been pastor of First Baptist Church of Millersville for 10 years and serves as a member of the executive board of the Missouri Baptist Convention.